NGCP Webinar: Lessons Learned for Effective Evaluation of Girl-Serving CS Programming
September 29, 2016; 10:00-11:00 AM Pacific (1:00-2:00 PM Eastern)
Participants will hear from girl-serving programs about what they learned from participating in the Computer Science Outreach Program Evaluation Network (CS OPEN) led by Google and NGCP. Twelve computer science programs focused on serving girls engaged in a year-long community of learning and left with both theoretical and practical skills. This informational webinar will focus on exemplary practices in non-profit program surveying and evaluation.

Do You See Your Students in Future STEM Careers?
NGCP is pleased to be collaborating with the Educational Research Center of America, Destination Imagination, and National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity on a research project focused on high school students' perceptions of STEM careers. In previous research, we found that the majority of STEM students (51%) saw their STEM courses as "extremely" or "very important" to their future careers. Our ultimate objective is to stimulate a dialogue on career pathways among parents, teachers, and students. If you are a high school educator, you may receive a package of student surveys and instructions related to this research effort. We encourage you to have your students complete the surveys so their perceptions and experiences will be included. To receive the surveys fill out out a simple on-line form or email info@studentresearch.org to make sure you are on the list. Thank you for your participation!

Guest Blog Post: If I Could Write the Headlines for STEM
Karen Peterson, CEO for NGCP, explains on the National Math + Science Initiative blog why we need to rewrite the STEM headlines and why we must collaborate inside and outside of the classroom to expand access to STEM learning and exploration.

Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Conference
Tampa, FL; September 24-27, 2016
The ASTC is an organization of science centers and museums dedicated to furthering public engagement with science among diverse audiences. The Preliminary Conference Program is available and sessions are available to browse in an interactive online conference schedule. Register.

Latina Power in STEM Conference
Glendale, CA; October 1, 2016
Designed to inspire middle and high school Latinas and other interested female students to pursue and thrive in STEM career pathways, this free conference includes STEM focused workshops for students, teachers, counselors, and parents. Participants will have the opportunity to experience hands-on activites (e.g. coding, robotics), as well as a special STEM professional Q & A session facilitated by TECHNOLOchicas. Register.

National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) Conference
Indianapolis, IN; October 5-7, 2016
The NCPN Conference provides an opportunity for secondary and post-secondary educators and members of industry to network and share best practices. This year's theme is "Building Your Career Pathways SYSTEM." Register.

I SEA STEM Expo 2016 
Branson, MO; October 9-11, 2016
The International STEM Education Association (ISEA) supports STEM Educators in the K-12 classroom and promotes STEM Education as the cornerstone of innovation and excellence in educational experiences that are imperative for success in the technological world of today and tomorrow. This year's keynote speaker will be NGCP National Champions Board member Olivia Pavco-Giaccia. Register 

Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Conference  
Houston, TX; October 19-21, 2016
This year the Conference is putting a greater focus on diversity and will feature leading technical speakers, career development sessions, a poster session, a hackathon and the industry's largest career fair for women in computing. Register.

Lights On Afterschool
Nationwide; October 20, 2016
Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool draws attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things such as science, community service, robotics, Tae Kwon Do, and poetry. The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs. Visit the Lights On Afterschool website to get event ideas, register an event, access planning tools, and find an event in your area.

National Conference on Afterschool and Summer Learning
Seattle, WA; October 24-26, 2016
Co-hosted by the National Summer Learning Association and School's Out Washington, this event will bring together the nation's top thinkers to share and discuss the partnerships, policies, and programs that are breaking down traditional notions of when and where learning occurs. This year's theme is "Dare to Disrupt! The Pathway to Equity and Excellence in Education." Register.

Society of Women Engineers: WE16
Philadelphia, PA; October 27-29, 2016
WE16 offers professionals, collegiates, and employers an opportunity to network, meet role models and mentors, find new talent, provide professional development to current employees and support women in engineering and technology. Register

STEMtech Conference
Philadelphia, PA; November 6-9, 2016
STEMtech conference brings the best of STEM, analytics, big data, advanced technology, and learning management architecture. Participants will have the opportunity to share and explore research, best practices, and new ideas. Tracks include: Using Analytics to Recruit, Retain, and Transition Students, Advances in E-Learning, and Integration of STEM and the Liberal Arts. Early bird registration deadline is October 7, 2016. Register.

The Connectory Spotlight highlights programs and opportunities in The Connectory. The Connectory is a free online collaboration tool for STEM program providers to find partners based on interests as well as a platform to showcase STEM opportunities to families. A survey released at the start of summer found that "More than 1 in 3 parents believe it is easier to understand the U.S. electoral process than their child's math homework."

Since math is a key component in STEM learning, this month we are highlighting a great program that organizes volunteers to provide kids with free math tutoring. Heart Math Tutoring's mission is to ensure that all Charlotte, North Carolina, elementary students have the foundational math skills and enthusiasm for academics needed to be successful. This "math intervention program" recruits and trains volunteers to work in Title I schools as tutors.

Join The Connectory to collaborate with STEM programs and promote your upcoming STEM opportunities to families. Opportunities are visible publicly to families. Programs are visible to other STEM providers. And thanks to our partnership with VolunteerMatch, you can link your accounts and recruit volunteers to grow your non-profit STEM program, by taking advantage of our new Volunteer Listings page.

Stay connected to The Connectory:

Latinas in STEM: Primary purpose is to spread awareness about STEM and inspire and encourage middle and high school Latinas, especially within underserved communities, to strongly consider pursuing a STEM career. Latinas in STEM educates students as well as parents so they may be better positioned to support their daughters. Secondary purpose is to help Latinas thrive in college and careers through mentorship, networking, and recognition.

Noche de Ciencias - Family Science Nights: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) student and professional chapters across the U.S. and Puerto Rico engage their local communities with activities for K-12 students and informative bilingual workshops for their parents. The goal of Noche De Ciencias is to provide access and awareness of STEM fields in order to broaden the participation of Hispanics along all segments of the science and engineering pathway. Find a chapter in your region.

TECHNOLOchicas: Designed to raise awareness among young Latinas and their families about opportunities and careers in technology. TECHNOLOchicas features powerful stories of Latinas from diverse backgrounds and environments who share a passion for technology and its power to change the world.

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The National Girls Collaborative Project™ is partially funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, GSE/EXT: National Girls Collaborative Project: Building the Capacity of STEM Practitioners to Develop a Diverse Workforce, Grant No. HRD-1532643.

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